FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Redesign

01

Introduction

Project Overview

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is undertaking a comprehensive redesign of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a critical computer system used to query criminal history records and determine firearm transfer eligibility. NICS plays a pivotal role in ensuring public safety by facilitating background checks for firearm transactions across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions. As part of this initiative, our team of designers is tasked with overhauling the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the NICS application to address usability, accessibility, and compliance issues. Leveraging the latest version of the Pega platform, our goal is to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction of the NICS system.

Contributions

• Product Discovery
• Design Strategy
• Heuristic Evaluations
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• UX Design
• UI Design
• 508 Compliance

02

Role & Responsibilities

Role

As a member of the design team tasked with the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) redesign project, my primary role is to lead the efforts in improving the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of specific features or components within the NICS application. Working alongside other team members and stakeholders, I am responsible for ensuring that the redesigned NICS system meets modern usability standards, enhances user satisfaction, and adheres to accessibility regulations. With a focus on usability, accessibility, and compliance, I play a crucial role in shaping the future of the NICS application to better serve law enforcement agencies and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the redesign efforts for specific features or components of the NICS application, focusing on improving UI, UX, and usability.
• Conducting Heuristic evaluations to identify usability issues and areas for improvement within the current version of the NICS system.
• Collaborating closely with stakeholders, including FBI representatives and end-users, to gather requirements and understand workflow needs.
• Utilizing the User-centered Design process to inform design decisions and ensure alignment with user needs and expectations.
• Creating wireframes, prototypes, and mockups to visualize design concepts and solicit feedback from stakeholders.
• Implementing design solutions that adhere to 508 compliance standards and accessibility guidelines, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
• Participating in usability testing sessions to validate design enhancements and iterate based on user feedback.
• Working closely with developers to ensure seamless implementation of designs within the updated Pega platform.
• Providing ongoing design support and guidance to the project team to ensure consistency and alignment with project goals.
• Developing and managing components within the internal design library.

03

The NICS system faces numerous challenges related to its outdated UI, UX, usability, and 508 compliance issues. These challenges hinder the system’s efficiency and effectiveness in processing firearm background checks and may impact public safety. Our team is tasked with overcoming these challenges by delivering a redesigned NICS application that meets modern usability standards, enhances user experience, and ensures compliance with accessibility regulations.

04

Process

1. Research & Define

• Conduct research sessions with the Product Owner (PO) to understand user needs, requirements, and goals. This includes defining the user, problem, and context of use.
• Analyze workflows and perform heuristic evaluations of the current system to identify areas for improvement and gather insights for the redesign process.

3. Design Brief and Demo

• Compile research findings and design documentation into a comprehensive design brief, ensuring alignment with project requirements and user goals.
• Prepare and deliver demo presentations to evaluate designs against defined criteria, gather feedback, and update design documentation as necessary.

2. UI/UX Design

• Develop prototypes and design mockups based on research findings, incorporating user feedback and best practices to address identified issues.
• Facilitate design review sessions with stakeholders, including users, Product Owners, and internal teams, to gather input and iterate designs accordingly.

05

• Successfully identifying and addressing usability issues within the NICS system through Heuristic evaluations and user feedback.
• Designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of firearm background checks.
• Ensuring compliance with 508 accessibility standards and accessibility guidelines to create an inclusive user experience.
• Contributing to the overall modernization and enhancement of the NICS system, thereby improving public safety and law enforcement operations.
• Expanding the internal design system to maintain consistency and incorporating key components into the design library.
• Successfully presented design solutions to stakeholders, incorporating feedback to improve usability and address user needs effectively.